Updates

Talia has completed her first year as a participating teacher with the TDF (Theater Development Fund) Open Doors Program. As a participating school, only eight scholars, from Renaissance High School for Musical Theater and Technology, are selected to join. As participants, TDF gives us access to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows throughout the school year. The program requires participants to attend a show, engage in a post-show discussion over pizza, and reflect through journaling. This year, we were even fortunate enough to have a backstage tour after our outing to see "Cats" on Broadway. The Open Doors program also provides each school with a mentor; a professional in the industry to join us on each outing and lead our post-show discussions. Luckily, we were blessed with two mentors this year, TONY Award-winning Clint Ramos (Costume and Set Designer) and Jessica Pabst (Costume Designer). The students, as well as myself, really valued our mentors' insight throughout

Talia recently directed the "Playwright's Showcase" at Renaissance High School for Musical Theater and Technology. In collaboration with the Writing Club, the showcase comprised of six short plays written by students themselves. The showcase was held on June 1, 2017 in the Theater Studio.

Talia's Advanced Acting Class performed their Community Outreach Piece at P.S. 314 on May 18, 2017. This is the second year in a row where the Acting students from Renaissance High School for Musical Theater and Technology, performed for students at this local elementary school in the Bronx. The piece was called, "Just Another Day At School", addressing issues regarding bullying (including a Post-Show Q & A with the actors). The show was a complete success and the students were deeply impacted by the student actors. The audience was comprised of 3rd and 5th grade students. Last year, Talia's Introductory Acting Class performed "Alice in Wonderland" for Kindergarteners. The outreach program is part of Talia's vision for the Theater Department at Renaissance High School, to bring free theater to the community.

Talia directed the Freshman Acting Showcase on May 3rd, performed by her Introduction to Acting Class at Renaissance High School for Musical Theater and Technology.

Talia participated in NYPD's Team Up Tuesday Initiative, a collaboration with the NYCDOE to build better relationships among police officers and NYC public school students. She facilitated workshops introducing theater to NYPD officers and students at Renaissance High School for Musical Theater and Technology.

Talia directed the first ever One Act Play Festival at Renaissance High School for Musical Theater and Technology.